Off the coast of Silver Sands Beach in Milford, Connecticut, lies a small but storied island that holds a special place in all local residents hearts. Charles Island has been enjoyed since before Milford's inception and is accessible by tombolo (or sandbar) when the tide is low. Over the years, storms, deer and disease have all contributed to its deterioration, slowly turning the island into a barren landscape. Together with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), a group of residents is working to thoughtfully restore the natural beauty of a much beloved landmark so it can be enjoyed by the public (and nesting birds alike) for generations to come.
Our
Story
After Super Storm Sandy hit the shoreline in 2012, the formerly green and lush Charles Island was in visible decline. Many of the remaining trees succumbed to invasive vines and disease in the following years, creating large gaps within the tree canopy. Because the number of healthy trees had been reduced to only a handful they no longer provided the island with the picturesque and ecologically important coverage.
In 2019, Shoreline residents, Bill Pursell and Dolores Hannon approached the state of Connecticut about restoring the islands vegetation. Because the state owned the island and designated it a bird sanctuary, there were some logistical complexities to overcome. However, since reforestation was a crucial step towards preserving the natural habitat of birds, the DEEP welcomed the supplemental help in restoring a safe haven for these beautiful creatures. The project, headed by DEEP's Pete Picone, and Dolores and Bill, broke ground in the spring of 2020.
Since then, $25,000 has been raised, and 400 trees have been planted with a goal of 600 more. The trees, including Sycamore, Red Maple and American Basswood, have all been planted by a rotating roster of local volunteers and employees of the DEEP.
$25k
Raised from our generous donors
400
Trees Planted to date
36
Volunteers (and counting)
How You Can Help
All monies donated go to the purchase of specific native trees, grown in certain soil conditions, that are only available at select New England nurseries. These trees are not only native but are resistant to the diseases currently plaguing the island.
The volunteers literally get down and dirty by trekking out to the island and performing various tasks to get the allotted trees into the ground.
Donate
Every cent goes towards the purchase of native trees that will be planted on the island
Venmo: @CharlesIsland-Reforestation
Or Paypal
Volunteer
Get on our list of volunteers to help with plantings in the spring and/or fall until we've reached our goal